Ep. 230 "Chasing Ghosts"
I don't think there's a person alive who hasn't 'chased a ghost' at one point or another. I'm speaking figuratively, of course (no offense real-life ghost hunters). These ghosts come in many forms. The failed love affair, that job you applied for but didn't get, or the childhood friend you lost contact with long ago. But maybe the most devastating of all is the relative taken from this earth before you even had the chance to say goodbye. We keep the images of these 'ghosts' in our mind's eye. Maybe it's our way of making them come alive again. Or maybe it's an attempt to find closure. And in this episode, Ziva's need for closure takes over. To finally put to rest the death of her father, Eli. But the only way she'll find that closure is by finding Bodnar. Her hunt starts now.
I liked the idea of balancing Ziva's search for Bodnar against a woman searching for her missing husband. Ziva relates to Lieutenant Callie Daniels' quest in ways perhaps the rest of the team does not. When she tells Gibbs in the squad room, "We need to find this bastard," she's talking as much about Bodnar as she is about the kidnapper. But it's not long before Gibbs and the others realize what's really going on with Ziva. It's an interesting journey, and one that Cote plays beautifully. The final scene in the show is my favorite. I love its simplicity and strength. And that's all because of our phenomenal cast. They infuse even the smallest moments with equal parts grace and gravitas.
So on that note, thank you to Mark, Michael, Cote, David, Pauley, Sean, Rocky, and Brian for their incredible work here. And thank you also to the stellar Sophina Brown. Her subtle, devastating performance as Callie blew us all away. Thanks to the lovely Arvin Brown for his brilliant direction. Arvin is a true collaborator and friend. Can't ask for more than that. And I have to give HUGE (yes, all caps) thanks to our amazing editorial team. They bring their best every week, and they do it with a smile. The show wouldn't be what it is without any of them. So thank you Josh, Avery, David, Johnny, Trish, Justin and everyone there. In the words of Mr. Rexon, "You Rock!" Speaking of rocking it, our crew kicked some serious you-know-what on this one. Thank you!
This episode starts off a season-ending arc that I'm betting will have you on the edge of your seats. And that's a testament to our executive producer, Gary Glasberg. His brave vision for the show has never wavered. Gary urged us writers to do better. Stretch the limits. And it paid off. Maybe I'm a little biased, but I think Season 10 has been one of the best ever. And I'm really glad to be part of the journey. But I'm even more thrilled to take the journey with all of you - OUR INCREDIBLE FANS (all caps again). From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Nicole Mirante-Matthews
Co-Executive Producer